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Politics | Activists are trying to revoke the tax-exempt status of churches involved in politics—conservative politics, that is | Mark Bergin

Church opponents often attack ecclesiastical immunity from taxation, and in this super-heated political year three areas of church vulnerability are becoming apparent:

Church stands on social issues: Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church in Helena, Mont., is in danger of losing its state property tax exemption after hosting an event to support a constitutional amendment defending marriage as between a man and a woman. Montanans for Families and Fairness, a coalition against the proposed amendment, filed the complaint. Some Roman Catholic churches have taken similar heat for their refusal to serve communion to pro-abortion politicians. U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) has suggested such a stance should cost the Roman Catholic Church its tax-exempt status.

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August 07, 2004, Vol. 19, No. 30

Berger can't keep a secret Jul. 31, 2004	UN's abuse of power Jul. 24, 2004	Kerry picks Edwards as VP Jul. 17, 2004
Summer Books 2004 Jul. 3, 2004	One nation under God Jun. 26, 2004	Ronald Reagan: In memoriam Jun. 19, 2004